Significance
This holy day is of special significance to Vaishnavas, followers of Hindu preserver god Vishnu. On this day images of Vishnu and Lakshmi are worshipped, the entire night is spent singing prayers, and devotees keep fast and take vows on this day, to be observed during the entire chaturmas, the holy four month period of rainy season. These may include, giving up a food item or fasting on every Ekadashi day.
It is believed that Vishnu falls asleep in Ksheersagar - cosmic ocean of milk - on Shesha naga, the cosmic serpent. Thus the day is also called Dev-Shayani Ekadashi
History
According to legends, there was a noble king named Mandata in Surya Vamsha who ruled a highly prosperous kingdom. He as immensely truthful and was engaged with numerous auspicious deeds. Nonetheless, the prosperity was highly affected as the kingdom received no rains for over three years. Eventually, no farming activities could take place and hence, numerous people and animals died while others were severely affected. Though the king performed several vrats, pujas, homas, but to no avail.
Thus, he set out on a journey and met many holy men with whom he discussed his problem. But, none of them could come out with a solution. At last, he met Sage Angira who instructed him to observe the Devshayani Ekadashi falling during the Shukla Paksha of the Ashada month. As advised, the king went back to his palace and observed the vrat along with family members and courtiers. As expected, the kingdom received rains thereby ending the three years of severe drought. Thus, the lost glory and merit of the kingdom was regained.
Devshayani Ekadashi is popularly known as Deva Sayani Ekadashi, Shayana Ekadashi, Tholi Ekadashi, Pedda Ekadashi, Vishnu Sayan Ekadashi, Harivasara Ekadashi, Maha Ekadashi, Ashada Devasayani Ekadashi and Padma Ekadashi in different parts of India. Thousands of devotees gather on the banks of River Godavari at Kala Ram Temple and take a holy dip in the waters while paying obeisance to Lord Rama. Devotees observing the Devshayani Ekadashi vrat follow the same rules associated with other Ekadashi fasts.
Determination of Date
Devshayani Ekadashi is celebrated on Ashadh Shukla Ekadashi falling at sun rise. For this the Ekadashi connected with Dwadashi is taken. If Dwadashi disappears then fast should be observed on Ekadashi connected with Dashami. If Ekadashi falls on two days then it is celebrated on the second day but if Dwadashi disappears in that situation it is observed on first day only. If Ekadashi disappears then on first day and in case of extension of Dwadashi with disappearance of Ekadashi it is celebrated on second day.
How to Celebrate
This day enables you to please Lord Vishnu and seek his divine blessings. Like other Ekadashis this day also helps you to attain salvation and freedom from the worldly greed. It is believed that observing a fast on this day-
Fulfills all your wishes
Provides energy to face every challenge of life
Gives freedom from the sins committed in past
Enhances the physiological functions of the body
Helps to strengthen one’s self-control and improves your emotional stability.
Onlineprasad.com wishes you and your family a happy Devshayani Ekadashi. May Lord Krishna shower his blessings on you and enrich your heart with his divine love.